Opinions on Purchacing this 95’

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been eyeing older 4runners for a while, and just happened to see this one down the street from me. I took a test drive and everything looked good on the car. The owner has had the car for 4 years and had lots of work and mods done on it. I especially would like opinions on rebuilt engines. The car’s original miles are 343,000. Regardless, I will take it into my Toyota mechanic if I decide to purchase.

Thanks!
Here’s the link:

https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/d/toyota-4runner-1995/6731884494.html

 

I would of course try to talk him down a bit but looks clean. Its a lot of miles but if the engine was truly rebuilt that won't matter as much because that is their main weak point. I would inquire if it is a total engine rebuild including bottom end and piston rings or if it was just a head gasket job as that is what it usually is. If it was just the top end that was rebuilt it won't do you any good if a rod bearing or piston rings goes out in 2 months.

Other than that it looks good. Those R150F transmissions are very solid so shouldn't have problems there. You might have to replace ball joints, cv axles, or shocks down the road but for the most part they cheap and easy to do if you know how to do that stuff. Did it seem like that thing had been abused offroad?

 

I love older vehicles, and if I was rich I’d have a car collection of them. The problem, though, is that older vehicles aren’t safe. A modern 4 Runner is one of the safest vehicles on the road with 8 airbags! I’m guessing that 1995 has 2. Two. Not enough. I’ve been in a major high speed collision ( not the 35mph or 50 mph kind that the safety ratings are given under). I was off work for year in rehab. Ok, so God willing, this will never happen to you. But if it does, don’t put those or who you love in an old beater with 2 air bags.

 

The front-axles have been replaced with most likely cv axles, you can see on his pictures. I believe he’s also replaced ball joints. Good advice on the engine rebuild; I know he spent $1900 on the rebuild but I’m not sure what that entailed. The car had a small amount of rust to be expected, but didn’t look thrashed from off-roading.

As for old cars, I definitely appreciate the safety warning. Perhaps the sturdier exterior of old vehicles will do something to compensate for the lack of airbags, haha.

Thanks for the advice, I hate to clog up these forums with purchasing inquiries but figure you guys know best.